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Black Vegan Social aims to reach over 100,000 members by 2020, following the launch of its revolutionary social networking community.
Users can create profiles, stroll through the feed to discover vegan content, schedule events, and privately message friends – whilst also attending monthly and quarterly meetups.
Founder of the site, GiGi Graham, who turned vegan back in 2017, created Black Vegan Social after realising vegan culture ‘wasn’t as diverse’ as she had expected, and how ‘beneficial veganism can be for people of color’.
‘It’s our responsibility’
GiGi said: “I noticed the lack of representation from the black community. I also noticed that the minority of POC that was present wasn’t allowed to freely speak about their journey in veganism unless it fits within this box of perfection from a white-narrative.
“Our perspective and experience didn’t appear to matter on a larger scale. For example, many within the black community find the circulating imagery comparing an enslaved black to a muzzled animal offensive. I’ve seen POC peaceably express their disapproval within these large mainly white groups and within minutes they are attacked by members.
“Veganism is in our DNA. It’s deep rooted. Black Vegan Social focuses on healing. We believe when you truly love yourself you will undoubtedly love and respect other living things. We challenge the narrative that veganism is white privilege. We say veganism is the right of all ‘privileges’ or not. It’s our responsibility.”
GiGi described the emergence of Black Vegan Social as ‘wildfire’, adding: “People wanted change, they just needed to know true support existed.”
By 2020, black vegan social aim to transition 100,000 people of colour to veganism, with the expectation to exceed that number through word of mouth.
‘Learning to appreciate our diversity is important’
GiGi said: “To our vegan community as a whole: Learning to appreciate our diversity is important. Not just appreciate it but celebrating and learning from it. We all need each other.
“Black Vegan Social is not here to hate or to divide. We focus our attention and energy on love and unify. We’ve created a safe place that promotes self-love. We celebrate our community.”
To join Black Vegan Social, or to find out more, click here.
